*originally posted at theatrical_muse - 4 Aug 2004*

[h2_muses]

challenge: Money, Fame or Happiness - if you had to pick just one, which would it be and why?


Well, as I already have fame... or, well, infamy... I don't supposed I'd really want that. Money is of no use to me, as I'm provided what I need by my employers, including some travelling and spending money. Guess that leaves happiness. That would be nice. However, determining what would make me happy, that's another feat altogether. I suppose knowledge of my past would be nice. To know if I have family - aside from Abraham - somewhere. (At least, I assume Abraham's family - shared last name and similar occupations and interests. If I ever actually meet him, I'll have to ask. From the letter I found in Carl's room, I can only assume this man is my older brother.)

What was the question again?



Muse: Gabriel Van Helsing
Fandom: Stephen Sommers' Van Helsing
word count: 126

Comments

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

"I believe you were to distinguish the better of three choices," Anna says in response to his inquiry, as she approaches him from behind.

"Which leaves me to wish you luck in the search for your brother, Gabriel."

[i_vanquish_evil]

He blinks and turns to face the familiar voice. A gasp when he sees who is standing behind him.

"Anna?" his voice is barely a whisper. "How?"

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She looks away for a moment, as though deep in thought. She then turns back to him, her countenance revealing that she is troubled.

"I do not know," she responds in all honesty. There is no reason she can consider to explain why she has found herself upon Earth once more.

[i_vanquish_evil]

"That's helpful." When in doubt, use sarcasm.

"As for the question, the better of the three choices - if I say 'none', is that acceptable? Since I don't need two and am not sure I'll find the third?"

Skipping over the explanations works almost as well as denial... sometimes.

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

"Any answer you choose to give would be acceptable," is her response, as she takes a step back, steadying herself and her nerves. What in the name of God himself...

[i_vanquish_evil]

He tilts his head and narrows his eyes a bit.

"Are you all right, Anna?"

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She looks up at him, head tilted slightly.

"I'm as well as can be expected. A little shaken, I suppose." She places a hand over her heart, marveling still at its beat. To be existing as a spirit was one thing, finding herslef alive and well once more was another.

[i_vanquish_evil]

"Only because I am a bit confused, I must ask, have you returned from the dead? I sense no evil, but, I suppose you may yet, be undead."

Not exactly the thought I wanted running through my mind, but I must ask.

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

"If the undead appear in none other than their human form, have a heartbeat...and...memories...than yes, I suppose I am."

[i_vanquish_evil]

"Not exactly what I meant, but perhaps you have been returned to life?"

And why am I asking her like she would know?

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She can merely shake her head, for once at a loss for words. But only for a moment.

"It would appear so, Gabriel."

[i_vanquish_evil]

"I could ask you a million questions, most of which you wouldn't have answers for. Questions like 'What do you think it means?' and 'What are you going to do now?'" He stops, just for a moment. "Actually, what are you going to do now?"

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

"I don't know," she admits defeatedly. "I am still trying to determine the reality in all of this. What I think is irrelevant."

[i_vanquish_evil]

A serious frown creases his face.

"How can what you think be irrelevant? You must have some thoughts on why you've been returned here. And they do mean something."

All right, Van Helsing, stop yelling at the gypsy Princess who saved your ass before she died... the first time.

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She matches his sharp tone.

"What good is it? Nothing can change this!" She turns away from him, to hide the uncharacteristic wall of tears behind her eyes.

"What is means is that I am not entitled to anything worth fighting for. My family, reunited, in a place where nothing could harm us...and where we could be happy..."

[i_vanquish_evil]

He doesn't move - just shifts his weight a bit.

"There is always something worth fighting for. What happened to seeing the 'brighter side of death'?"

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

"Just that. I did--only to be pulled from it."

Unless, it occured to her, Velkan and their father had been restored to life as well. Could it be that there was a greater purpose for her family, another cause that they might be needed for?

[i_vanquish_evil]

"Anna," he takes a step forward and puts a hand on her shoulder, but can think of nothing more to say beyond her name... at least not until she turns around...

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She turns to face him, as a single teardrop escapes her eye, wandering down a pale cheek.

"I did not ask for this," she says in a broken whisper, only audible to him.

[i_vanquish_evil]

Gently, he wipes the tear from her face.

"None of us ask for it. It's given to us. We do with it what we must."

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She nods, leaning into the touch.

"And what is there for me now?"

[i_vanquish_evil]

He raises an eyebrow at her.

"You're looking at the guy who is sent out to deal with the evil of the world. I'm sure there is something you can do."

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She nods, composing herself.

"And how," she inquires. "Has Mr. Van Helsing found himself bidding his time?"

[i_vanquish_evil]

"Lately? There seem to be quite a few reports of vampires across Eastern Europe."

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She nods grimly.

"I might have known."

[i_vanquish_evil]

"Apparently, since we destroyed Dracula, all the others feel they are free to move about wherever they are and try to gain their own little empire. Mostly, this means I've been rather busy." He sighs and leans against a wall.

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She sighs as well.

"And do you require any assistance?" she asks, looking up at him. It is best to do something for the greater good, rather than nothing at all.

[i_vanquish_evil]

"I'm not one to turn down help. Grab some pointy weapons and I'll take you along on my next assignment."

Help is good; company is even better.

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She can only nod once more, offering what she hoped was a smile; the result a mere pull at the corners of her lips.

[i_vanquish_evil]

"Really, Anna, are you going to be okay?"

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

"I am okay."

[i_vanquish_evil]

This tugs the corners of his mouth into a bit of a smile.

"Good. Now, I believe you still owe me a drink."

[fearless-beauty.livejournal.com]

She blinks, having forgotten.

"Yes," she muses. "I believe you're right."

[i_vanquish_evil]

[ooc: moved us HERE - for ease in locating thread at work *eg*]